Making friendship with people around the world is important, but we must put foremost importance on fostering friendly relationship between neighbors’. Promoting friendly relations and friendship is the treasure of life.
——Ikeda Sensei

Besides engaging in dialogue with others, why does sensei stress the importance of friendly relations with our neighbors? When you think about it thoughtfully, sensei actually brings us to consideration all the time. There’s a phrase which says ‘distant water can’t save fire that is near’, when our relationship with our neighbours are distant, if anything happens in our home, they will leave us feeling helpless. Say for example: When we are unfriendly to our neighbors’, if there happens to be a burglary in our home, would our neighbors’ help us to report it to the police? If there is a fire or other incidents where we have no place to stay, who would lend us a helping hand?

It doesn’t mean that whenever we encounter any problems we will then be nice to please our neighbours, such action is an act of utilitarianism; a person who only does something based on one’s own interest. Every morning, we should greet our neighbours ‘Good morning!’ with a very lively spirit. This manner of courtesy is very important. This is the foundation of forming a good relationship with your neighbours and also the first step towards victory. We must possess empathy for others and genuinely treat others, this way; they will definitely feel our sincerity.

The significance of friendship also emerges on the path of kosen rufu. If we do not form good relations with others, how can we be acquainted with them, encourage them or share with them the greatness of Nichiren Buddhism? Because friendship is what bonds us together, we are able to understand and empathize their problems and wish from the bottom of our hearts that they can obtain happiness also. The only way to attain absolute happiness is to have faith in the Gohonzon and to put into practice the spirit Nichiren Buddhism.

Promoting friendly relations and friendship is the treasure of life. Sensei also mentioned about his aspirations in his guidance hoping that we befriend good people and guide people towards a virtuous path. A valuable friendship is a beacon in the dark. Whenever we fail or fall down, the assistance and encouragement from friends gives us courage to stand up again. Human beings are considered as a community of animals which can neither survive nor grow up alone. Every one of us needs the companionship of family and friends. Hence, a good friendship is our life’s treasure.

Labels: e. Words of mentor